Family Gerbier - Manhattan, NY

First time on Pirouette : a whole family interview! Gena and Stephane Gerbier, co-owners of YoyaMart (www.yoyanyc.com) and their two children (Noah4 andHannah10 years old). Gena is a full time children’s retailer while Stephane divides his time between the stores and his activity of photographer & director’s agent. A family full of positive energy, like the city they live in.

Hannah & Noah

What do you want to be when you grow up Hannah An animator Noah A Stormtrooper

What is your favorite famous person Hannah Tim Burton Noah Iron man

What makes you laugh Hannah My crazy little brother Noah WhenPapa reads Goldie Locks

What makes you sad/angry Hannah Hearing stories about sad/bad things that happen to people. At school we are talking about human rights and abuse Noah when people call me a baby

Your favorite book Hannah Coraline Noah The Lorax from Dr Seuss

Your favorite films Hannah Summer Wars Noah Cars,Toy Story, Astro Boy

The best holidays you ever had Hannah Last summer we went to East Hampton and I had a great time surfing at the beachNoah The Beach -Hamptons (Montauk-East Hampton) Summer 2010- I love to swim with my friend Joaquin

A place that you would dream to visit Hannah Tokyo, Japan Noah California…the mountains and the beach and West Hollywood with a stop at Dysneyland

Your favorite outfit HannahJeans,T-shirt and sneakers Noah my Toy Story hoodie and Buzz Lightyear t-shirt Noah My comic sneakers (Vans)

What is the piece your like the most from your wardrobe Hannah My grey Essentiel cardigan, I wore it almost everyday last year

The next item you would like to get Hannah I want to be the Anti-Alice in Wonderland for Halloween so I’d like to get a dark dress Noah a “how train your dragon” toy

Gena & Stephane

Your favorite children’s brands Gena Antik Batik, Essentiel, Munster, Bellerose and Imps and Elfs Stephane Bellerose, Essentiel, Munster, Imps & Elfs, Yoyamart

Your favorite children’s stores Gena I know it’s a biased answer but I can honestly say, Yoya, Yoyamart and FAO Schwartz Stephane Yoyamart, Yoya, Kido (now defunct)

Do you buy a lot online for your children; if so, what are your favorite e-stores? Gena Amazon.com, Netflix Stephane iTunes for films (a lot); Barnes and Noble for books (a lot); amazon.combooks, ect…we do not buy clothing online

A website that inspires you Gena I can spend hours on www.apartmenttherapy.com jumping from link to link and am impressed by the individuality and creativity of Tavi Gevinson of www.thestylerookie.com Stephane Ora-ito

The criteria you consider when you buy something for your children Gena Aesthetically pleasing, quality, function and price Stephane design-fun – educational

Last item you added to your child’s wardrobe Gena Comic Action Vans for Noah and a Yoya alpaca knit slouchy hat for Hannah Stephane Bellerose faux sheerling Hoodie for Noah, Yoyamart Parka black/gold for Hannah

Most precious item you bought for your child Gena I found a vintage Star of David pendant for Hannah on Ebay a few years ago. We are not religious but felt it’s really important that our children have a connection and awareness of their family history especially since their grandparents survived the Holocaust. It’s a real symbol of strength and resilience Stephane my time off to be with them on the weekends

Best gift you gave for a child’s B-day Gena Hannah was 10 on 10-10-10.Our family came from Canada to surprise her and we spent a beautiful weekend celebrating her Stephane A pony for them to ride in Manhattan

Favorite pieces in your children’s wardrobe Gena Noah’s electric blue Imps & Elfs skinny jeans that make him look like a rock star, and Hannah’s combat boots by Essentiel Stephane Hannah Essentiel summer dress and Noah Marc Jacobs winter coat

The book on your bedside table Gena Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss Stephane Life by Keith Richards

Where will you go for the next summer holidays Gena The beach but we are planning a dream vacation to Japan Stephane Japan